Position Summary

The Director of Operations position is full-time, 40 hours per week (exempt, benefits eligible). The Director of Operations reports to the Chief Operations Officer and provides leadership and operational support to Directors across all New Life Centers locations. This role oversees organization-wide operations, ensuring effective execution of strategic priorities, operational excellence, and a collaborative, inclusive culture that empowers team members and drives organizational success. Will require some local travel (reimbursable). Pay commensurate with experience. This position is in-person.

Job Responsibilities

Operations Leadership & Management

• Direct and oversee daily operations across all New Life Centers locations, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, policies, and strategic priorities.
• Provide leadership and oversight for operational departments, including Information Technology, Office Management, Transportation, Safety, Facilities, and Events.
• Establish operational priorities and lead the achievement of short- and long-term goals.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for operational matters, responding to urgent issues as needed.
• Travel regularly between sites to provide support, oversight, and operational leadership.
• Lead or delegate operational responsibilities during site transitions, expansions, or relocations.

Strategic Planning & Process Improvement

• Analyze organizational operations to identify opportunities for increased efficiency, effectiveness, and scalability.
• Research, develop, and recommend process improvements, systems, and operational solutions for executive review and approval.
• Lead organization-wide implementation and adoption of new operational processes and systems.
• Balance site-level operational needs with broader organizational objectives when developing solutions.
• Foster collaboration across locations and departments to strengthen organizational alignment and reduce operational silos.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, coach, and support a team of Directors and operational staff, promoting accountability, ownership, and professional growth.
• Communicate organizational goals, priorities, and operational updates effectively and consistently.
• Conduct regular supervision activities, including site visits, individual check-ins, team meetings, and planning sessions.
• Develop and deliver training related to operational processes, systems, and best practices.
• Ensure team members understand operational procedures and have access to necessary resources and information.
• Collaborate with department leaders to maintain accountability and consistency in operational practices.

Compliance, Risk Management & Safety

• Ensure operations comply with organizational policies, grant requirements, audit standards, and applicable regulations.
• Promote and integrate safety considerations into operational planning, process development, and problem-solving.
• Participate in organizational audits and support the implementation of corrective actions when necessary.
• Monitor operational systems and address issues through timely troubleshooting and resolution.

Vendor & Resource Management

• Develop and maintain productive relationships with vendors, contractors, landlords, and service providers.
• Oversee vendor, contractor, and lease agreements, including contract administration and invoicing.
• Evaluate resources, systems, and processes to ensure operational and cost efficiency.

Financial Management

• Assist with annual budgeting and strategic planning processes.
• Monitor departmental budgets and spending plans to ensure fiscal responsibility and alignment with organizational objectives.
• Identify and recommend cost-effective operational solutions and resource allocations.

Communication & Reporting

• Maintain regular communication with the Chief Operations Officer regarding operational priorities, challenges, and progress.
• Provide timely updates, reports, documentation, correspondence, and other operational records.
• Coordinate effectively with internal departments to support seamless organizational operations.

Organizational Commitment

• Demonstrate and uphold New Life Centers' mission, values, and culture.
• Attend and participate in required meetings, trainings, and organizational events.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Chief Operating Officer as priorities may change based on organizational needs

Skills & Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Degree in business administration, Nonprofit Management, Public Administration, Human Services, Organizational Leadership, or a related field.
• Minimum 6–10 years of progressive operations, program, or organizational leadership experience, preferably in a nonprofit or human services environment.
• Minimum 5 years of supervisory and people management experience, including leading managers and cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated experience overseeing organizational operations, facilities, technology, safety, transportation, or related operational functions.
• Strong project management, process improvement, and organizational development skills.
• Experience with budgeting, vendor management, contract administration, and compliance requirements.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships across diverse teams and community stakeholders.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to respond effectively to operational challenges.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, Word, and Outlook; experience with database and information management systems.
• Commitment to maintaining confidential and sensitive information.
• Valid Illinois driver's license, reliable transportation, proof of insurance, and acceptable driving record.
• Ability to travel regularly between organizational sites and attend meetings or events outside of standard business hours as needed.
• Cross-cultural competency and commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace culture.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Public Administration, Nonprofit Management, Organizational Leadership, or a related field.
• Experience managing operations across multiple locations.
• Experience in nonprofit grant compliance, audits, and government-funded programs.
• Bilingual English/Spanish.

Background & Compliance Requirements

• Must successfully clear (with no pending or open cases): 
  • Criminal background check
  • Child Abuse and Neglect Tracking System (CANTS) check
  • National Sex Offender Registry check
  • Driving record/background check
• Must obtain and maintain Certified Mandated Reporter status (training provided).

How to Apply

Please submit the following materials

• Cover letter indicating your experience and interest in the position
• Resume
• List of three references with contact information (minimum 2 professional references, email and phone number included)
• Please mention the name of any New Life Centers staff who referred the position to you in your email if applicable.

New Life Centers provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. New Life Centers complies with applicable federal, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.